Description

Marseilles Basil

France's premier heirloom, Marseilles basil is a dwarf, compact variety loaded with full sized leaves. Hundreds of medium-sized, very aromatic leaves with that classic deep rich basil flavor. Never bitter.

“Marseilles” is the traditional basil used in pistou, the Provençal version of pesto. It's considered by some to be the very best basil in France, certainly the best strain of bush basil there is.

History

In Italy, a pot of basil is a sign of love; in France it is called herbe royale – the royal herb. Linked irrevocably with Italy and the Mediterranean, basil originated in India and was brought over the spice routes in ancient times.

Uses

The peak flavor experience is fresh from the garden and used soon after, though it retains its unique flavors and aromas well when made into pesto and frozen. Drying is a last resort, as it loses most of the aromatic oils. But we have found that basil dried from your garden is so much more flavorful than commercial dried basil.

Companion Planting

Basil does well with asparagus and helps tomatoes overcome pest insects and disease while improving growth and flavor of both. It is best to grow the shorter basil plants alongside or parallel to the tomato plants instead of among them in their shade.

Peppers – both sweet and hot – like basil alongside them, as does beans, beets, cabbage, and eggplant. Herbs that like basil nearby are oregano and chamomile.

Basil repels mosquitoes and most flies, so keep a couple of planted pots near doorways and entrances.

Common rue and sage are antagonistic to basil, so don’t plant them near each other.

Growing Tip

When basil starts to flower, it will stop growing leaves – so pinch the flower heads off to encourage new leaf growth.